Exploring the Effects of Players’ Numbers and Court Size on Tactical-Technical Performance Analysis of Novice Players in Basketball Small-Sided Games
(Walber Jose Figueiredo de Souza, Filipe Manuel Clemente, Samuel da Silva Aguiar, Larissa Pittner, Erivaldo Machado Araújo, Matheus de Souza Rocha, Francielli Evelin Lopes Silva, Ana Filipa Silva, Henrique de Oliveira Castro)

This study aims to examine the tactical behavior, decision-making, and technical skills of young novice basketball players in small-sided games (SSGs) with different numerical configurations and court sizes. Participants were 16 novice male players aged between 11 and 15 years with no competitive experience. A total of 13 games were played, comprising nine SSG formats with numerical equality, superiority, and inferiority, in two court sizes: a full court (FC) and a half court (HC). In SSGs played in the FC, pass efficacy was significantly higher (p < 0.05) in 5 vs. 4 and 4 vs. 3 formats, while dribble efficacy was significantly higher (p < 0.05) in the 2 vs. 1 HC format. The 3 vs. 3 FC format showed greater (p < 0.05) shot efficacy. Reception efficacy was significantly higher (p < 0.05) in the 2 vs. 1 HC format, as well as rebound efficacy. However, appropriate passes were significantly lower (p < 0.05) in the 4 vs. 3 FC format. Dribble efficacy was significantly greater (p < 0.05) in the 2 vs. 1 HC format and appropriate shots were significantly greater (p < 0.05) in the 2 vs. 1 HC format. Regarding defensive and offensive technical-tactical actions, the 3 vs. 3 HC format presented significantly higher values (p < 0.05) of support, while ball marking was significantly greater (p < 0.05) in the 3 vs. 2 HC format. In conclusion, this study indicates that smaller (balanced and unbalanced) SSG formats tend to enhance the frequency, effectiveness, and appropriateness of attacking and defensive behaviors, particularly those involving direct actions.